This episode features an engaging conversation with Chris Whittaker, a military veteran who shares his experiences and insights from his time in the military. Chris discusses his upbringing, including the influence of his grandfather, a World War II and Korean War veteran. He delves into his military career, from basic training to deployments in Korea and Desert Storm. Chris also opens up about his personal life, including the challenges of marriage and the impact of PTSD. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Family Support: Chris emphasises the importance of family support during tough times, highlighting how his wife played a crucial role in helping him through challenging periods.

• Military Experience: Chris shares insights into his military journey, showcasing the impact of his time in the military on his personal and professional growth.

• PTSD Awareness: The discussion around PTSD sheds light on the importance of seeking help and support for mental health issues, encouraging veterans to utilise available resources.

• Adaptability: Chris's ability to adapt to changing circumstances, such as transitioning from military life to civilian career, demonstrates resilience and flexibility in navigating life's challenges.

• Cultural Exposure: Experiences in Korea, including exposure to propaganda and cultural differences, highlight the diverse and unique challenges faced by military personnel in different regions.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was in a program called a Reserved Officer Training Corps, ROTC. In high school, I was really called Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps. So it's kind of a prep school, a prep class for going into the military."

"I went to Fort Benning, Georgia's Fort Ben at the time, And you may know they we had some craziness, I feel like they changed the names of some of our military bases for whatever reasons."

"I was in the 506 up on the DMZ. Yeah, we, we had alerts. We had regular alerts. You know, it could be once a week, once a month, you never, they're very, very different intervals."

"And what I've discovered as well through the training I've had in coaching and when I'm advising clients on finances as well, like for instance here, there's probably a hybrid of four meetings going on, right?"

"I think, you know, just understanding that we all have a different story, everyone has a different journey. But if you're listening and you have dreams or you have thoughts or memories that are bothering you or maybe impacting the way you interact with your loved ones or your friends and family, I'm sure there's, you know, use your resources."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training centre and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

This episode features an insightful conversation with Ro Sharma, a former military officer turned business owner. Ro shares his journey from his school days in Berkshire to his time in the military, where he gained valuable leadership and teamwork skills. He discusses his transition to the corporate world, working at Barclays and later in management consulting. Ro reflects on the challenges of adapting to the corporate environment and the importance of leveraging military skills in civilian roles. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Acknowledging and recognising failure is the first step towards dealing with it effectively.

• Self-awareness and introspection are crucial in processing and learning from failures.

• Failure can lead to personal growth and development, helping individuals become more resilient and adaptable.

• Overconfidence and naivety can sometimes contribute to experiencing failure, highlighting the importance of humility and self-reflection.

• Learning from past failures can help individuals build confidence and navigate future challenges more effectively.

BEST MOMENTS

"I spent a bit of time working with them. And actually, I was less involved, or not so heavily involved in the delivery of projects, but I got more involved in how do we build value into this organisation?"

"I think a lot of it comes down to is sometimes politics, the conflicting priorities, and actually, the context is really key, as you've mentioned, because for us, we know that the cost of a bad decision is lives in the military." 

"I think when you're in the commercial or corporate world, some of the people you're working with don't have any context of life and death situations."

"Of course, being in property, you've seen some interesting times."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

In this podcast episode, Mick Hawkes QCB, a former military personnel, shares his journey from joining the military to facing challenges during the Falklands campaign. Mick discusses his initial desire to join the military, his experiences in various units, including the Royal Artillery and the SAS, and his time in Northern Ireland and the Falklands. Despite facing medical challenges with his ankle, Mick's determination and passion for being in the field rather than in camp shine through. His experiences in the Falklands, where he defied medical advice to continue with his unit, highlight his commitment to his comrades and his dedication to serving in the military. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Challenges and Setbacks: Mick faced challenges and setbacks throughout their military career, such as a snapped ankle, medical restrictions on parachuting, and a gammy ankle during the Falklands campaign.

• Desire for Active Service: Mick's desire for active service and aversion to camp life is highlighted, showcasing a preference for being out in the field rather than in a camp setting.

• Adaptability and Resilience: Despite setbacks and medical issues, Mick demonstrated adaptability and resilience by pursuing alternative paths, such as volunteering for the SAS and completing training courses.

• Interactions in Conflict Zones: Mick's interactions with the local population in conflict zones, such as Northern Ireland and the Falklands, shed light on the complexities of military operations and relationships with civilians during wartime.

BEST MOMENTS

"I actually thought about deserting and joining the French Foreign Legion for five years and then coming back, if that makes sense."

"I was quite bitter and twisted about it because that's all I wanted to do. So coming back and then doing the Paracourses got me back on track."

"I like being out on exercise and doing all that sort of stuff. So, it then got into my head that I needed to get away from here now." 

"To be honest, I found Belfast one of the nicest, friendliest cities. And that was during the bad times." 

"I am not tabbing all this way here, or yomping all the way here, just before the battles to be taken off." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

This episode features a candid conversation with Bob Thibodeau, a veteran who shares his journey from military service to civilian life. Bob opens up about his challenging upbringing, his military career, and the struggles he faced after leaving the army. He recounts a pivotal moment when he hit rock bottom, contemplating drastic measures to solve his financial woes. However, a profound experience of spiritual awakening and a powerful message from the Bible led Bob to a moment of transformation and renewal. This episode delves into themes of resilience, faith, and the profound impact of personal struggles on one's journey to success and self-discovery.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Military Career Transition: Bob's transition from the military to civilian life was challenging, especially when faced with unexpected career changes and financial struggles.

• Family Support: Bob's wife played a crucial role in supporting him during tough times, including praying for him and being a source of strength.

• Financial Struggles: Bob experienced financial difficulties, leading to a low point where he contemplated suicide and had to make tough decisions to support his family.

• Spiritual Awakening: His spiritual journey and moment of being "born again" brought a significant shift in his perspective and provided him with newfound hope and strength.

• Resilience and Redemption: Despite facing adversity, Bob found redemption through faith and family, highlighting the importance of resilience and the power of belief in overcoming challenges.

BEST MOMENTS

"I remember telling myself, 'Alright, I am now in charge of my own life from this moment forward. I'm just responsible for me and how I'm going to rewrite my life."

"I was the distinguished graduate of the school. And that got me identified by my chain of command real quick."

"I had given my life. I mean, that was my life. You know, I was and my wife understood, you know, there were times when, you know, I would have to tell her and remind her I married the army before I married you." 

"I was completely on my own."

"I cried out, you know, God, if you're there, you need to fix this because if you can't, I will." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

Joe has an insightful conversation with Ellen Harrison, a former military member who shares her journey from a working-class background to a successful career in the Navy. Ellen discusses her transition from the military to civilian life, highlighting the importance of networking, mentorship, and transferable skills. She reflects on the challenges she faced, such as dealing with failure and navigating the job application process. Ellen provides valuable insights into the importance of leveraging military experience in civilian roles and the significance of effective communication in CVs for job applications.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Importance of Networking: Ellen emphasises the importance of networking in both the military and civilian sectors. Networking helps in seeking advice, finding job opportunities, and gaining insights from others' experiences.

• Value of Mentoring: Ellen highlights the significance of mentorship, not only in formal relationships but also in seeking advice from various experts at different times. Mentoring aids in personal and professional growth by providing guidance and support.

• Adaptability and Lifelong Learning: Ellen's journey showcases the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. From transitioning from a non-academic background to pursuing education and diverse career paths, Ellen demonstrates the value of being open to new opportunities and challenges.

• Self-Reflection and Humility: Ellen's willingness to acknowledge areas of improvement, seek advice, and admit to not having all the answers reflects self-awareness and humility. This approach fosters personal growth and effective leadership.

• Effective Communication in CVs: Ellen emphasises the importance of concise and impactful communication in CVs. Highlighting key achievements, results, and actions taken clearly and concisely is crucial for showcasing one's skills and experiences effectively.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was really lucky. And I used the credits, the ELCs. So I did a certificate in education by ELC and I also did a HNC in aeronautical engineering." 

"I think the biggest thing that I was disappointed about was everyone was picking me up before I went, oh, you'll be fine, you know, you'll get through it." 

"I don't know all the answers. You know, you've come up with a really good idea. And you can tell me." 

"I've always enjoyed serving under. That's not to say I've never served under officers who've gone straight into Sandhurst, but I've always enjoyed serving with officers who are an ex reg because they've done it."

"So long as you ask in a polite way and you ask the right questions, when I've asked the question, can you help me? There's not many people who've said no." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

Joe welcomes Charlotte Hayes to the podcast as they dive into a heartfelt discussion about Charlotte's journey before, during, and after her military career. The conversation unfolds with a mix of humour and sincerity, as Charlotte shares personal anecdotes from her life growing up in Stafford to her unexpected entry into the military. Listeners are taken on a journey through Charlotte's experiences, from facing challenges in school to navigating the complexities of military life as a female officer. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Charlotte Hayes' journey from facing challenges in her personal life to overcoming obstacles in her military career showcases the power of resilience and determination.

• Gender Equality in the Military: Charlotte's experiences highlight the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the military, emphasising the importance of fair treatment and opportunities for all service members.

• Professional Integrity: The episode underscores the significance of fair and unbiased performance evaluations in the military, there is a need for transparent and equitable assessment processes.

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Charlotte's story demonstrates the complexities of balancing personal responsibilities, such as motherhood, with a demanding military career, showcasing the importance of support and understanding in the workplace.

• Advocacy for Equal Treatment: Charlotte's proactive approach to addressing discrimination and unfair treatment sets an example for advocating for equal opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace.

BEST MOMENTS

 "I was kept on the straight and narrow. Technically, I would say I'm from a military family, but when I was growing up, I didn't really feel that military influence."

 "I was just another officer. I was an engineering officer, and there was a lot of talk of being an engineering officer."

"I was absolutely dumbfounded because essentially what the RIMI will do, they will deploy to an area where you can affect repairs on vehicles."

 "I went back to work as if nothing had happened. I'll show you. You think I can't do this because I'm pregnant. Well, I'll show you that I can."

"He just sort of sat there and said, 'Well, I'll think about it.' And I was like, 'Okay, that's all I can ask you to do.'"

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalising plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

Peter Swierczek joins Joe in this episode to talk about his journey from serving in the RAF to battling cancer and transitioning to civilian life. Despite facing challenges, Peter's resilience and positive mindset have allowed him to achieve and find happiness. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Resilience and positivity: Peter's ability to overcome challenges, including battling cancer and navigating career transitions, highlights the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive outlook.

• Transferable skills: The discussion emphasises the value of skills gained in the military, such as teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, in civilian roles and how they can be effectively applied in various job settings.

• Importance of networking: Peter's success in securing a new role at FDM Group through networking underscores the significance of the building and maintaining professional connections in career advancement.

• Dealing with toxic work environments: Peter's experience with a challenging program manager at the Scottish government highlights the impact of toxic behaviour in the workplace and the importance of recognising when a situation is no longer conducive to personal well-being.

• Embracing opportunities: Going from military service to project management roles demonstrates the value of seizing new opportunities, adapting to change, and making the most of unexpected career shifts.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think basic training that we went through was seven weeks and then I went to St Athan for a month through the driver training and then came back and did seven weeks trade training as an RAF policeman." 

"I genuinely think they're invaluable. You can't put a price on them." 

"I was successful. I got picked up. I was employed there. I was driving their scrum teams and their software development projects and digital transformation project, as well as the data migration that was going on there." 

"I remember when I was sitting in that discussion with him. Joe, there was a, I don't know if you remember, there was a whole thing, you know, things you just say and not do when you leave the service, you know, there's the jokes." 

"The difference between public sector and private sector that I found predominantly is private sector will not tolerate toxic behavior." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

Joe is joined by Brendan, a former member of the Parachute Regiment, who shares his inspiring journey of resilience, personal growth, and giving back. From his upbringing in South Africa to his military service and subsequent transition to civilian life, Brendan's story is filled with challenges, failures, and triumphs. He emphasises the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network, embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, and staying true to one's purpose. Brendan's latest venture, the Armed Forces Business Center, aims to support veterans in their entrepreneurial endeavours and provide a platform for mentorship and collaboration. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Surround yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals who align with your goals and values.

• Embrace failure as a stepping stone towards improvement and growth. Learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities to learn and adapt.

• Focus on your "why" and let it drive you forward. When your purpose is strong enough, the "how" will come naturally.

• Be resilient and adaptable, especially when transitioning from the military to civilian life. Embrace change and be open to new opportunities.

• Believe in yourself and your worth. Don't underestimate the skills and qualities you gained in the military. Have confidence in your abilities and bet on yourself.

BEST MOMENTS

"I always take these dark times and a lot of people see it as the end state, but I see the dark times as an opportunity for growth." 

"Failure is part of every journey and I've just looked at it very differently. I see it as an opportunity to learn and grow." 

"Surround yourself with great people and align yourself with those who are on the same path."

"Money doesn't make you happy. It buys you time and freedom to pursue your own hobbies." 

"The quality of your life is determined by how much you're willing to bet on yourself, regardless of what anybody else is thinking." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

Robyn Lockwood joins Joe in this episode and shares her journey from a troubled childhood to a military career. They discuss growing up in a single-parent household and their struggles with the education system. Robyn then talks about her decision to join the military and their experiences in basic training and branch training. They highlight the challenges and rewards of being in the mine warfare sector and the camaraderie among the crew members. However, their military career takes an unexpected turn and Robyn opens up about the emotional and physical toll of this and her discharge. Overall, this episode provides a candid and insightful perspective on the highs and lows of a military career and the resilience required to navigate unexpected challenges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Robyn grew up in a single-parent household, with her mother and sister being her primary support system. Despite the support, Robin felt troubled and dissatisfied with the education system.

• The decision to transition from traditional schooling to the military was not made lightly. Robyn and her mother, along with her headteacher and tutor, had a conversation about her educational future. 

• Robyn joined the military and went through basic training and branch training in mine warfare.

• While the military provides structure and discipline, it can also be a challenging and demanding environment. Being away from loved ones for extended periods of time and facing the pressures of the job can take a toll on individuals

• Robyn experienced deployments and mine-clearing operations in the Baltics and Bahrain.

• Robyn suffered a back injury during an adventurous activity training course, which ultimately led to the end of their military career.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was a little bit troubled as I grew up, I would say. Nothing too serious, but just really didn't like the education system. Just wasn't for me." 

"I was lucky in the sense that I started basic training and I finished on the date that I was supposed to finish. Um, there was no backtrack for me." 

"I was very lucky in the sense of my crew, especially the first one, that there were no bad experiences between the males and females on that ship." 

"I was still under the illusion that once I'll be home for three months and I'll be back to playing. I was honestly still under that illusion." 

"I came to a clear understanding that maybe my military career could be over. And that's where I went for my first medical discharge." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

In this episode of the Veterans to Success podcast, Joe interviews Seru, a former military veteran who has successfully transitioned into various careers. Seru shares her journey from growing up in Fiji to joining the military and later pursuing a career in law and technology. She discusses the challenges she faced during the transition from military to civilian life and talks about the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Saru highlights the valuable skills gained in the military and how they are transferable to civilian settings. Listeners will gain insights into the power of resilience, the significance of a strong social and business network, and the importance of embracing new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Embrace the power of continuous learning: Transitioning from the military to civilian life involves acquiring new skills and adapting to different work cultures. Continuous learning, staying curious, and seeking out new knowledge are essential assets.

• Cultivate a growth mindset: See challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Recognise that skills gained in the military, such as leadership, discipline, and teamwork, are highly transferable and valuable in civilian settings.

• Build a strong social and business network: A strong network serves as a pillar of support, provides knowledge and opportunities, and enhances personal and professional success. Establish trust and credibility within your network by cultivating meaningful relationships.

• Face failure with resilience and commitment to learning: Acknowledge and process the emotions that come with failure, confront and understand them, and use failure as a catalyst for growth. Approach setbacks with resilience and a commitment to learning from them.

• Emphasise the value of transferable skills: Skills gained in the military, such as leadership, discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving, are highly transferable to civilian life. Complement these skills with new ones relevant to the civilian workplace to enhance your competitive edge.

BEST MOMENTS

"The ability to be able to collaborate, communicate effectively, and work harmoniously with diverse individuals is not only crucial in the workplace, but also enhances personal relationships, community engagement, and problem-solving."

"Transitioning from the military to civilian life often involves acquiring new skills, adapting to different work culture, navigating diverse environments. So the ability to learn and adapt swiftly is an asset." 

"The skills gained in the military are incredibly valuable and highly transferable to civilian life. Leadership, discipline, teamwork, and the ability to think critically and act decisively are significant assets."

"A strong social and business network is a cornerstone of both personal and professional success. It serves as a pillar of support, provides knowledge, and opens doors to collaboration, mentorship, and career opportunities." 

"Embrace the power of continuous learning. Stay curious, seek out new knowledge, and cultivate a growth mindset. Success in civilian life involves a combination of existing strengths and a willingness to expand your skill set."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.